Air Fryer Salmon
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Published Dec 27, 2021, Updated Feb 22, 2023
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A simple recipe for air fryer salmon that results in perfectly flaky and tender salmon fillets. It’s healthy, flavorful and ready in under 15 minutes.
Since purchasing an air fryer (this is the one we have) Isaac and I have become addicted. We absolutely love it and I’m kind of upset we put it off for so long, haha! And this whole week I’m sharing some of our go-to air fryer recipes.
Today is all about a simple recipe that will give you a perfectly cooked salmon filet in the air fryer. It has a simple blend of fresh garlic, paprika, salt and pepper as the seasoning, yet it’s super flavorful, flaky and delicious. Plus, it’s super quick… you’ll be eating in 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights. 6 ingredients, 15 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy!
- Your salmon filets will be perfectly cooked. No dry or undercooked salmon here.
- Air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep. I love making a couple filets for salads throughout the week.
Here’s What You Need
- salmon filets – you’ll want two 6 oz evenly sized filets of salmon with the skin on. I recommend getting individual filets from your grocer but don’t be afraid of frozen filets, either! Flash frozen fish can be just as healthy. Just make sure the salmon is thawed if you are using frozen filets.
- olive oil – this will coat your salmon, keep things moist and help the seasoning and spices to stick to the salmon.
- garlic – you’ll need one minced clove of garlic. If you don’t have any on hand you can use garlic powder, I’d use about 1/4 teaspoon to equal one clove.
- seasonings – sea salt and pepper to taste. Paprika is optional, but adds nice flavor!
- lemon – a slice of lemon for serving elevates this simple salmon dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Start by rubbing the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using), salt and pepper on the flesh of each salmon filet.
Preheat your air fryer if necessary. When it’s ready, place the salmon filets skin side down in your air fryer basket and cook at 390ºF for 10-12 minutes.
You’ll know the salmon is done with the flesh flakes off easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from your air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
tip! Your cook time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets. Two 6 oz filets should take between 10-12 minutes. You'll know your salmon is done when it easily flakes off with a fork.
Recipe Variations
- Cayenne – add some spice with a little cayenne pepper! I’d start with a pinch.
- Fresh herbs – sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs when you take the salmon out of the air fryer. Chopped fresh parsley or dill would be delicious.
- Tahini – whip up my citrus tahini dressing and drizzle it on top!
- Soy sauce or tamari – drizzle on soy sauce or tamari before cooking for an added umami flavor.
- Blackened seasoning – I love blackened salmon and you can easily switch things up and cook my blackened salmon recipe in the air fryer.
Air Fryer FAQ
That depends on your air fryer! Some recommend preheating and others do not require it. Check your owners’ manual to see what they recommend. If you don’t have a preheat setting, just set your air fryer to the required temperature about 3 minutes before adding your food.
No, there is no need to flip salmon when cooking it in the air fryer. Simply place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
It takes about 10-12 minutes at 390°F to cook salmon. Although the time may vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.
You could be overcrowding your basket! You’ll want to make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer or your food will not get crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to cook in batches.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
There are so many ways you can use this air fryer salmon! Whether you keep it simple with a side of veggies and rice like I usually do, or incorporate it into other recipes, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some ideas to inspire you!
- Some veggie sides ideas include baked sweet potato fries, simple beet greens, roasted broccoli or roasted asparagus.
- Add a grain like quinoa, cauliflower rice or cilantro rice to make it a complete meal!
- Serve over a salad like my garlicky kale salad, sweet kale salad or easy spinach salad. Or you can make my kale caesar salad with salmon instead of shrimp. Really, you can boost the protein for any of my salad recipes with this salmon!
- Use this air fryer salmon in my superfood salmon salad, Mediterranean salmon salad or pesto salmon bowl.
- Leftover salmon would be perfect in the viral salmon rice bowl!
How to Store and Meal Prep
This air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep! Just prepare and cook the air fryer salmon as directed below, then let it cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You’ll have perfectly cooked and delicious salmon to eat any night (or day!) of the week.
To reheat, add salmon to a skillet over medium low heat until heated throughout
Looking For More Air Fryer Recipes?
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Pasta Chips
- Air Fryer Tofu
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Popular Salmon Recipes to Try
- Teriyaki Salmon Burgers
- Grilled Salmon Salad
- Blackened Salmon
- Balsamic-Glazed Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Salmon Burgers
- Miso Salmon
- Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls
- Salmon Salad
Be sure to check out all of the popular salmon recipes and the full collection of the air fryer recipes here on EBF!
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz salmon filets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika, optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 slices of lemon, for serving
Instructions
- Rub oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using) salt and pepper on on the flesh of each salmon fillet.
- Preheat air fryer if required. Spray air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray, if desired. Place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.
- Once cooked and salmon easily flakes off with a fork, remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve salmon with slice of lemon and sides of choice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Do you have a suggestion for modifying this recipe for salmon with the skin already removed?
I may have to dust off the air fryer this week! I love salmon, but am tired of my go-to recipes. I’ll have to try this out.
Let me know how it turns out, Janet!
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes!
So glad you’re enjoying them, Andrea!!
Amazing!! What a great “short cut” came out just perfect! Thank you!!
Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe worked out for you, Imsen! Thanks for coming back to leave a review and star rating! I appreciate it so much.
So easy to make! It came out perfectly.
Yum! So glad you are loving this quick and easy recipe, Sherry. Thank you for your review + star rating, I appreciate it!